US8609295B2 - Solid-electrolyte fuel cell and stack structure - Google Patents

Solid-electrolyte fuel cell and stack structure Download PDF

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Publication number
US8609295B2
US8609295B2 US11/665,863 US66586305A US8609295B2 US 8609295 B2 US8609295 B2 US 8609295B2 US 66586305 A US66586305 A US 66586305A US 8609295 B2 US8609295 B2 US 8609295B2
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Prior art keywords
separator
gas
separators
solid
electrolyte fuel
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US20080206614A1 (en
Inventor
Shigeo Ibuka
Keiko Kushibiki
Yasushi Nakajima
Saburo Suzuki
Tatsuya Suzuki
Katsunori Matsui
Koji Nakatani
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Nissan Motor Co Ltd
Saijo INX Co Ltd
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Nissan Motor Co Ltd
Saijo INX Co Ltd
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Assigned to SAIJO INX CO., LTD., NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD. reassignment SAIJO INX CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MATSUI, KATSUNORI, NAKATANI, KOJI, SUZUKI, SABURO, IBUKA, SHIGEO, KUSHIBIKI, KEIKO, NAKAJIMA, YASUSHI, SUZUKI, TATSUYA
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0204—Non-porous and characterised by the material
    • H01M8/0206—Metals or alloys
    • H01M8/0208—Alloys
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0204—Non-porous and characterised by the material
    • H01M8/0206—Metals or alloys
    • H01M8/0208—Alloys
    • H01M8/021—Alloys based on iron
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0247—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the form
    • H01M8/025—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the form semicylindrical
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0271—Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes
    • H01M8/0273—Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes with sealing or supporting means in the form of a frame
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M8/12—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte
    • H01M8/1231—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte with both reactants being gaseous or vaporised
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/241—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes
    • H01M8/2425—High-temperature cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M8/2428—Grouping by arranging unit cells on a surface of any form, e.g. planar or tubular
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/241—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes
    • H01M8/2425—High-temperature cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M8/2432—Grouping of unit cells of planar configuration
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
    • H01M8/2483—Details of groupings of fuel cells characterised by internal manifolds
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a solid-electrolyte fuel cell of the type to be laminated for use, and a stack structure composed of laminated solid-electrolyte fuel cells.
  • Such a type of solid-electrolyte fuel cell disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,290B1 is configured as a lamination of a cell plate and separators pressed in a stepped form, having their joints partially open, to be cooperative with vortex channels defined by the pressed separators, for smooth gas flows along the cell plate.
  • a solid-electrolyte fuel cell is configured with a cell plate and separators pressed in a stepped form, having their outer peripheral edge portions joined together, defining a pouch portion in between, and accommodating dimpled collectors as rectifiers inside and outside the pouch portion, for gas flows to go up from below.
  • the pressed separators have double-staged steps, allowing for a spacer-less lamination.
  • a solid-electrolyte fuel cell is configured with a pair of cell plates shaped in a disc-form and joined together at their outer peripheral edge portions, for a vertical gas diffusion.
  • a solid-electrolyte fuel cell configured with separators formed with vortex channels needs spacers for lamination, resulting in an increased number of components and concerns for gas leakage at joints to the spacers, and the use of springs for pressing an entirety to be fixed with stresses unable to be released.
  • a solid-electrolyte fuel cell configured with cell plate and separators joined together to define a pouch portion in between is complicated in structure, and tends to have concentrated stresses due to differences in thermal expansion between cell plate and separators, with concerns for gas leakage.
  • a solid-electrolyte fuel cell configured with paired cell plates shaped in a disc-form undergoes an uneasy fabrication due to the structure, and has an increased number of ceramic components, resulting in an increased weight and a reduced rigidity.
  • the present invention is achieved with such points in view, and has an object to provide a solid-electrolyte fuel cell and a stack structure, allowing for an expanded freedom in joining method or process, permitting an enhanced yield of the process, and additionally enabling concerns for gas leakage to be almost cast away.
  • the stack structure of solid-electrolyte fuel cells should have an increased resistance to thermal shocks.
  • a solid-electrolyte fuel cell comprises a simplex cell, a metallic first separator of a circular thin-sheet form having a gas introducing port and a gas discharging port in a central portion thereof, and a cell mounting part for the simplex cell to be fixed thereto, a metallic second separator of a circular thin-sheet form having a gas introducing port and a gas discharging port in a central portion thereof, a space defined between the first and second separators, and a flow channel member accommodated in the space, and configured for communication with the gas introducing ports and the gas discharging ports to effect gas supply and gas discharge to and from the space, the flow channel member being joined, within the space, to at least one of the first and second separators.
  • a stack structure comprises a lamination of solid-electrolyte fuel cells according to the above-noted aspect.
  • FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a half-cut of a solid-electrolyte fuel cell according to an example of a mode of embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 1B is a half-cut sectional view of the solid-electrolyte fuel cell of FIG. 1A .
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the solid-electrolyte fuel cell of FIG. 1A .
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the solid-electrolyte fuel cell of FIG. 1A .
  • FIG. 4 is an internal plan view of the solid-electrolyte fuel cell of FIG. 1A , illustrating a layout pattern of simplex cells.
  • FIG. 5 is an internal plan view of a solid-electrolyte fuel cell according to a modification of the example of embodiment, illustrating another simplex cell layout pattern.
  • FIG. 6 is an internal plan view of a solid-electrolyte fuel cell according to a modification of the example of embodiment, illustrating another simplex cell layout pattern.
  • FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a half-cut of a solid-electrolyte fuel cell according to another example of the mode of embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 7B is a half-cut sectional view of the solid-electrolyte fuel cell of FIG. 7A .
  • FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a half-cut of a solid-electrolyte fuel cell according to another example of the mode of embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 8B is a half-cut sectional view of the solid-electrolyte fuel cell of FIG. 8A .
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a stack structure as a lamination of solid-electrolyte fuel cells according to the example of embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the stack structure of FIG. 9 .
  • FIGS. 11A to 11E are sectional views of solid-electrolyte fuel cells having various separators according to modifications of the example of embodiment, respectively.
  • FIGS. 12A and 12B are sectional views of solid-electrolyte fuel cells having integrated flow channel members according to modifications of the example of embodiment, respectively.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B , 7 A and 7 B, 8 A and 8 B, 11 A to 11 E, and 12 A and 12 B are sometimes collectively referred to as “FIG. 1 ”, “FIG. 7 ”, “FIG. 8 ”, “FIG. 11 ”, and “FIG. 12 ”, respectively.
  • a solid-electrolyte fuel cell ( 1 [ FIGS. 1-3 , 7 - 12 ]) is configured with one or more simplex cells ( 4 [ FIGS. 1-4 , 10 - 12 ], 4 a [ FIG. 5 ], 4 b [ FIG. 6 ].
  • a metallic separator ( 2 [ FIGS. 1-12 ]) of a circular thin-sheet form, having at least one gas introducing port ( 21 [ FIGS. 1-4 , 7 - 8 ]) and one or more gas discharging ports ( 22 [ FIGS. 1-4 , 7 - 8 ]) in a central portion thereof, and one or more cell mounting parts ( 25 [ FIG. 4 ], 6 [ FIG.
  • the fuel cell can further include another metallic separator ( 3 [ FIGS. 1-3 , 7 - 8 , 10 - 12 ]) of a circular thin-sheet form having at least one gas introducing port ( 31 [ FIGS. 1-3 , 7 - 8 ]) and one or more gas discharging ports ( 32 [ FIGS. 1-3 , 7 - 8 ]) in a central portion thereof.
  • the separators ( 2 , 3 ) can define a space (S [ FIGS.
  • a flow channel member ( 5 [ FIGS. 1-3 , 7 - 8 , 10 ], 5 a [ FIGS. 1-3 , 7 - 8 ], 5 b [ FIG. 12 ]) (divided and assembled, rebuilt or joined, or integrated, and) accommodated in the space (S) (together with one or more spacers 10 [ FIG. 7 ], if necessary), for fluid communication of their channels ( 51 [ FIGS. 2-3 , 12 ], 52 [ FIGS. 2-3 , 12 ]) with the gas introducing ports ( 21 , 31 ) and the gas discharging ports ( 22 , 32 ) to effect gas supply and gas discharge to and from the space (S).
  • the flow channel member ( 5 , 5 b ) may be joined, within the space (S), to at least one of the separators ( 2 , 3 ).
  • the separators ( 2 , 3 ) may be joined together, in mutually opposing positions, at their outer peripheral edge portions.
  • the outer peripheral edge portions of metallic separators ( 2 , 3 ) may be wholly joined together to define a space (S) therebetween, allowing for gases to circulate therein.
  • Solid-electrolyte fuel cells ( 1 ) formed with such a pouch portion (S) may be laminated to constitute a stack structure ( 11 [ FIGS. 9-10 ]), which may be mounted in a vehicle, to reduce the possibility of gas leakage against external shocks.
  • the joining may be by a diffusion bonding, a welding, a brazing, or an adhesive.
  • the separators ( 2 , 3 ) are shaped in a thin-sheet form for a reduction of weight and, with repeated start-and-stops, may experience thermal deformations, accompanying stress concentrations, such as at their joints to one or more simplex cells ( 4 , 4 a , 4 b ) or locations having developed temperature differences, causing a need for the rigidity or strength to be increased, wherefor the metallic separators ( 2 , 3 ) may preferably be pressed to form step parts ( 23 [ FIGS. 1-3 , 7 - 11 ], 33 [ FIGS. 1-3 , 7 - 11 ], 24 [ FIGS. 1-3 , 7 - 11 ], 34 [ FIGS. 1-3 , 7 - 11 ]).
  • the solid-electrolyte fuel cell ( 1 ) is configured to define a pouch portion (S) between a pair of separators ( 2 , 3 ).
  • a pouch portion (S) between a pair of separators ( 2 , 3 ).
  • the pair of separators ( 2 , 3 ) may preferably be shaped in an identical form.
  • each separator ( 2 , 3 ) can be pressed to form step parts ( 23 , 33 , 24 , 34 ).
  • the separator ( 2 , 3 ) has a greater rigidity, as the number of step parts ( 23 , 33 , 24 , 34 ) increases.
  • at least one of the separators ( 2 , 3 ) may be stepped in the central portion and in an outer peripheral edge portion thereof.
  • a step part ( 23 , 33 ) in the central portion may have a circular convex form protruding in an outward direction of the space (S) defined between the separators ( 2 , 3 ), and a step part ( 24 , 34 ) in the outer peripheral edge portion may have an annular form protruding in an inward direction of the space (S).
  • the circular convex step part ( 23 , 33 ) in the central portion may be formed with the gas introducing port ( 21 , 31 ) and gas discharging ports ( 22 , 32 ).
  • the circular convex step part ( 23 , 33 ) in the central portion of the separator ( 2 , 3 ) may have a spacing function to serve, and may be used, as a spacer between the paired separators ( 2 , 3 ).
  • the annular step part ( 24 , 34 ) in the outer peripheral edge portion of the separator ( 2 , 3 ) may have a function of, and may be used for, defining a space (S) of a pouch form between the paired separators ( 2 , 3 ).
  • the annular step part ( 24 , 34 ) in the outer peripheral edge portion of separator ( 2 , 3 ) has a step height, which constitutes an undue resistance to gas flow into the space (S), if it is too small, or reduces the packing density, if it is too large.
  • This step height may preferably be set within a range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, whereas the step height has an influence on the workability in pressing, as well, and may preferably be set 2 mm or less for a SUS430 separator 0.1 mm thick.
  • this step height also may preferably be set 2 mm or less for a SUS430 separator 0.1 mm thick.
  • the annular step part ( 24 , 34 ) is formed in an outer peripheral edge portion of at least one of two separators ( 2 , 3 ). Annular step parts ( 24 , 34 ) may thus be formed on the two separators ( 2 , 3 ) in a symmetric form, allowing for an increased suppression of stress concentration. These step parts ( 24 , 34 ) may then be changed in step height between the separators ( 2 , 3 ), still allowing an expectation for an increased rigidity due to the provision of a step.
  • One separator ( 2 ) may preferably be formed with a step ( 24 ) to have an increased area for mounting one or more simplex cells ( 4 , 4 a , 4 b ).
  • the shape of separator ( 2 , 3 ) can thus be modified in accordance with characteristic(s) to be emphasized, such as an enhanced resistance to thermal shock or enhanced output energy density.
  • the circular convex step parts ( 23 , 33 ) in central portions of separators ( 2 , 3 ) serve to prevent occurrences of short-circuit between laminated solid-electrolyte fuel cells ( 1 ), and for secured communication of air at the cathode side.
  • an insulating or sealing ceramic adhesive may be used to effect an insulation between the cells ( 1 ) or for an enhanced packing density.
  • the circular convex step parts ( 23 , 33 ) in central portions of separators ( 2 , 3 ) are coated with a good insulating material (e.g. alumina, zirconia) sprayed or spattered thereon, and loaded, with a metal gasket or the like inserted in between. The load may be imposed, with springs inserted between them, for the sealing to be secured upon thermal expansion.
  • a good insulating material e.g. alumina, zirconia
  • the circular convex step parts ( 23 , 33 ) in central portions of separators ( 2 , 3 ) may preferably be each formed with a flat joint face, to be joined with a circular convex step part ( 33 , 23 ) of a neighboring one of solid-electrolyte fuel cells ( 1 ) to be laminated.
  • Such joint faces of mating step parts ( 23 , 33 ) may have a couple of polarity identifiers (e.g. convex and concave) or geometrical mating marks for a positioning in the lamination.
  • the neighboring solid-electrolyte fuel cells ( 1 ) have their separators ( 2 , 3 ) provided with circular convex step parts ( 23 , 33 ) in central portions thereof, and brought into abutment at the step parts ( 23 , 33 ), to be joined together, without the need of a spacer, allowing for the joining to be free of gas leakage, with a resultant decrease in number of components of the stack structure ( 11 ).
  • At least one separator ( 2 ) may have, in the central portion, a step part ( 23 ) stepped like a plateau or terrace and formed with at least one gas introducing port ( 21 ) and one or more gas discharging ports ( 22 ).
  • This step part ( 23 ) may protrude in an outward direction of the space (S) defined between separators ( 2 , 3 ), for a configuration to fit on, or to accommodate therein, the flow channel member ( 5 , 5 b ).
  • Solid-electrolyte fuel cells ( 1 ) of such a configuration may be laminated and pressed with an adequate load imposed on the central portion, allowing for their joints to be free of gas leakage, even if the sealing were insufficient between the flow channel member ( 5 , 5 b ) and separators ( 2 , 3 ). Moreover, a lack of external firing of fuel enables the fuel consumption to be improved, allowing for wide application to a recirculating system.
  • the flow channel member ( 5 , 5 b ) may be joined to one or both of separators ( 2 , 3 ).
  • the flow channel member ( 5 , 5 b ) may have supply and return channels defined by partition walls ( 5 a ( FIGS. 1-3 , 7 - 8 )) thereof, of which corresponding ones ( 5 a ) may preferably be joined together or separated in opposite positions to be arranged for mutual abutment therebetween.
  • partition walls ( 5 a ) may preferably be processed flush at both sides, for sufficient contact to be achieved therebetween simply by pressing forces of the entire stack structure ( 11 ).
  • the separators ( 2 , 3 ) may have a flow channel member ( 5 b ) joined to one ( 2 ) of them and a spacer ( 10 ) or flat plate joined to the other ( 3 ), with a resultant reduction of flow path area, without functional defects.
  • the solid-electrolyte fuel cell ( 1 ) is configured for introduction of fuel gas to the pouch portion (S), but may well be configured for introduction of air to the pouch portion (S), having fuel gas flow outside thereof.
  • the gas flow inside the pouch portion (S) may be controlled by additional steps pressed on separator(s), or density distribution of incorporated collectors.
  • the flow channel member ( 5 ) may be divided into two or more pieces ( 5 ) to be brought into contact for their integration to be complete with loads imposed on separators ( 2 , 3 ) in mutually approaching directions of the separators ( 2 , 3 ).
  • the flow channel member ( 5 ) may be joined to either separator ( 2 , 3 ) to have sufficient strengths or rigidities for adequate loads on the central portions to permit employment of a spot welding for joints between either separator ( 21 , 3 ) and divided piece(s) ( 5 ) and/or between divided pieces ( 5 ), without functional defects.
  • the flow channel member ( 5 ) may be joined to thee separator(s) ( 2 , 3 ) by a diffusion bonding, a welding, a brazing, or an adhesive.
  • Simplex cell(s) ( 4 , 4 a , 4 b ) may be joined for fixation to the cell mounting part(s) of the separator ( 2 ), by a brazing or an adhesive.
  • the surface of electrolyte of simplex cell ( 4 , 4 a , 4 b ) may preferably be metalized with Ti, before Ag brazing.
  • the metalization may be a coating or spattering of a brazing paste.
  • an adhesive bonding such a metalization may be followed by a bonding with a ceramic or glass adhesive between metallic surfaces, under a load for a required air-tightness.
  • a laser welding or arc welding may be employed, as well as a brazing or an adhesive.
  • an annular region between the central portion and the outer peripheral edge portion of the separator ( 2 ) may be configured as a cell mounting part ( 25 ) for mounting thereon one or more simplex cells ( 4 , 4 a , 4 b ).
  • Small-diameter circular simplex cells ( 4 ) may be arranged in a co-centric and axisymmetric layout about a gas introducing port ( 21 ) in the central portion of separator ( 2 ).
  • An annular simplex cell ( 4 a ) may have its inner and peripheral edge parts joined to pressed inner and outer rings ( 6 , 7 [ FIGS. 5-6 ]), which may be additionally connected by radial pieces ( 8 [ FIG. 6 ]) to provide a frame ( 9 [ FIG. 6 ]) for sectorial simplex cells ( 4 b ) to be stacked thereto for a facilitated joining.
  • a pressed step may be provided between neighboring cells ( 4 , 4 b ) to have an increased rigidity.
  • a recess may be pressed for cancellation of the thickness.
  • the separators ( 2 , 3 ) may be identical in form except for the cell mounting part(s) that may have a various suitable form.
  • cell mounting part(s) in the annular region between central portion and outer peripheral edge portion of the separator ( 2 ) allows for an enhanced freedom in selection of simplex cell configuration.
  • the outer peripheral edge parts, which have stresses acting thereon, may be metal-metal joined for an increased rigidity of solid-electrolyte fuel cell ( 1 ).
  • the separators ( 2 , 3 ) may be made of Fe—Cr system alloys such as SUS430, SUS316L, ZMQ, FeCrSi, and FeCrW. Ni—Cr system alloys of inconel 750 and the inconel 718, and the like may be adopted, with care to avoid a mismatch of coefficient of thermal expansion.
  • the separators ( 2 , 3 ) of a thin-plate form may be made of an alloy of which principal component is Fe or Ni, and the step parts are pressed. A long-term durability of stack structure may be secured by use of such a high-heat-resistant alloy material.
  • the wall thickness of the separator it is preferable to assume the wall thickness of the separator to do laminated to be 0.05-0.5 mm in lightening it again.
  • a strength of the separator decreases when the wall thickness of the separator is too thin, and durability to the hydrogen embrittlement worsens, too.
  • thermal capacity is increased when the wall thickness of the separator is too large, and there is a considerable problem with a deterioration of the processing, an increase in weight, and the packing density etc.
  • the best board thickness depends on the material, and it is thought that about 0.1 mm for SUS430.
  • FIGS. 1A , 1 B, 2 , and 3 illustrate a solid-electrolyte fuel cell 1 as an example of the best mode of embodiment.
  • the solid-electrolyte fuel cell 1 is configured, as in FIGS. 1A and 1B showing half-cut views, with a pair of metallic separators 2 and 3 , of which one 2 (upper separator in the figures) is shaped in a circular thin-plate form, and has in a central circular portion thereof a gas introducing port 21 and gas discharging ports 22 ; and the other 3 (lower separator in the figures) is shaped in a circular thin-plate form, like the separator 2 , and has in a central circular portion thereof a gas introducing port 31 and gas discharging ports 32 .
  • the separators 2 and 3 are joined together, in mutually opposing positions, at their outer peripheral edge portions, having a bag or pouch portion (as a space for accommodation) S defined between them, in which unshown electric collectors are accommodated.
  • the separators 2 and 3 joined together in the mutually opposing positions, have: in the central portions, (upper and lower, in the figures) stepped circular convex parts (hereafter called “circular convex step parts”) 23 and 33 pressed in a form to be concentric with outer peripheral edge portions, respectively, and protruding in mutually spacing directions (i.e. outward directions of the pouch portion S, or upward and downward directions in FIG. 3 , respectively); and in the outer peripheral edge portions, (upper and lower, in the figures) stepped annular parts (hereafter called “annular step parts”) 24 and 34 pressed in a form to be concentric with the outer peripheral edge portions, respectively, and protruding in mutually approaching directions (i.e. inward directions of the pouch portion S, or downward and upward directions in FIG. 3 , respectively).
  • the gas introducing ports 21 and 31 and gas discharging ports 22 and 32 are formed in the circular convex step parts 23 and 33 , respectively.
  • the separator 2 has, as in FIG. 4 showing a plan view, cell mounting parts 25 provided in an annular region between the central portion and the outer peripheral edge portion, or, at eight locations about the gas introducing port 21 at the center of separator 2 .
  • the cell mounting parts 25 have circular simplex cells 4 fixed thereto.
  • the circular thin-sheet form of the second separator 3 may be identical to the circular thin-sheet form of the first separator 2 except for the cell mounting parts 25 .
  • the circular convex step part 33 of separator 3 has accommodated therein a flow channel member 5 (i.e. lower channel member 5 in the figures) formed with gas introducing channels 51 communicating with the gas introducing port 31 , for supply of gas into the pouch portion S defined between the separators 2 and 3 ; and the circular convex step part 23 of separator 2 has accommodated therein another flow channel member 5 (i.e. upper channel member 5 in the figures) formed with gas discharging channels 52 communicating with the gas discharging ports 22 , for discharge of gas from the pouch portion S, as well shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
  • a flow channel member 5 i.e. lower channel member 5 in the figures
  • gas introducing channels 51 communicating with the gas introducing port 31
  • the circular convex step part 23 of separator 2 has accommodated therein another flow channel member 5 (i.e. upper channel member 5 in the figures) formed with gas discharging channels 52 communicating with the gas discharging ports 22 , for discharge of gas from the pouch portion S, as well shown
  • the (lower and upper) flow channel members 5 have supply and return channels defined by (lower and upper) partition walls 5 a thereof, which are arranged in opposite positions for mutual abutment therebetween (i.e. for abutment from up and down at their contacting edges), so that when solid-electrolyte fuel cells 1 are laminated in the form of a stack structure, mutually opposing (lower and upper) partition walls 5 a (in each cell layer) are brought into tight-contacting abutment, simply by pressing forces (due to a tightening load) of the entire stack, as will be described.
  • a SUS430 rolled sheet 0.1 mm thick was employed as a material for separators 2 and 3 .
  • the rolled sheet was set to a press tool equipped with a super-hard/SKD11 die, and pressed under an 80-ton press load for a 24-step pressing process to provide separators 2 and 3 .
  • the sheet thickness may be within a range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm.
  • the separators 2 and 3 after the pressing process had an outside diameter of 125 mm, and circular convex step parts 23 and 33 of a 50-mm diameter, while the circular convex step parts 23 and 33 and annular step parts 24 and 34 had a typical step dimension of 1 mm, and outer peripheral edge portions of the separators 2 and 3 were joined together by a laser welding.
  • Lower and upper flow channel members 5 employing the SUS430, were joined for fixation to the separators 2 and 3 , respectively, by welding, or more specifically, by a diffusion bonding in vacuum at a bonding temperature of 1000° C. or less, for prevention of deformation in the bonding.
  • a laser welding by YAG laser may be used in place of the diffusion bonding.
  • the separators 2 and 3 both thin as a sheet, may well be irradiated by laser from the outside to effect the joining.
  • the joining may be effected by a brazing or an adhesive, as circumstances require.
  • the flow channel members 5 have channel patterns, which may be formed by an etching or laser-texturing, or by joining a lamination of etched parts.
  • the solid-electrolyte fuel cell 1 has a pair of separators 2 and 3 substantially identical in form, allowing for prevention against occurrences of stress concentration due to thermal expansion or thermal deformation.
  • the separators 2 and 3 have their central portions and outer peripheral edge portions provided with circular convex step parts 23 and 33 and annular step parts 24 and 34 , respectively, achieving an increased rigidity, allowing for prevention against occurrences of thermal deformation.
  • the example of embodiment described has a configuration for a plurality of small-diameter circular simplex cells 4 to be mounted as in FIG. 4 .
  • the mode of embodiment may be modified, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , for an annular or toroidal simplex cell 4 a to be mounted or fitted for fixation to a separator 2 provided with pressed inner and outer rings 6 and 7 , which are joined to inner and outer peripheral edge portions of the cell 4 a , respectively.
  • this example may be additionally modified, as illustrated in FIG. 6 , by provision of radial pieces 8 (i.e. vertical and horizontal cross pieces in the figure) for connection between inner and outer rings 6 and 7 to constitute an integrated frame 9 , which may accommodate or fit on a plurality of sector or fan-shaped simplex cells 4 b.
  • the examples of embodiment described are configured for (lower and upper) flow channel members 5 accommodated or fitted in the circular convex step parts 23 and 33 in the central portions of separators 2 and 3 , respectively.
  • the mode of embodiment may be modified: as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B , for a spacer 10 substituting for either (upper in this case) flow channel member 5 ; or as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B or 8 A and 8 B, for a single or integrated flow channel member 5 identical in thickness (to the described cases) to be accommodated or fitted in either (lower, in FIGS.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an appearance and a longitudinal section of a stack structure 11 as a lamination of solid-electrolyte fuel cells 1 that may be modified as described.
  • solid-electrolyte fuel cells 1 are laminated with porous or air-permeable electric collectors 12 inserted therebetween, and neighboring fuel cells 1 have intervening separators 2 and 3 bonded together at their circular convex step parts 23 and 33 by an adhesive agent.
  • the stack structure 11 can be insulated between every pair of neighboring fuel cells 1 that have intervening separators 2 and 3 bonded to each other at the circular convex step parts 23 and 33 , with an increased packing density, allowing for an ensured communication of air channels on the cathode side, as well as for facilitated assembly work.
  • This example of embodiment is configured for a solid-electrolyte fuel cell 1 with a pair of separators 2 and 3 identical in form.
  • the mode of embodiment may have a pair of separators 2 and 3 modified such that: as illustrated in FIG. 11A or 11 B, either separator 2 to be provided with a simplex cell 4 is configured simply with a steep-stepped or moderate-stepped circular convex part 23 of a typical height (without annular step part), and the other separator 3 is configured with a circular convex step part 33 of the typical height and an annular step part 34 of a double height of the typical height; as illustrated in FIG.
  • either separator 2 is shaped in a step-less form to be planar, and the other separator 3 is configured with a circular convex step part 33 of the double height and an annular step part 34 of the double height; as illustrated in FIG. 11D , either separator 2 is configured simply with a circular convex step part 23 of the double height (without annular step part), and the other separator 3 is configured simply with an annular step part 34 of the double height (without circular convex step part); or as illustrated in FIG.
  • either separator 2 is configured with a circular convex step part 23 of the typical height and an annular step part 24 of a smaller height than the typical height
  • the other separator 3 is configured with a circular convex step part 33 of the typical height and an annular step part 34 of a greater height than the typical height, so that the annular step parts 24 and 34 are different in height from each other.
  • the example of embodiment described is configured for a solid-electrolyte fuel cell 1 with a pair of mutually separate flow channel members 5 accommodated or fitted in circular convex step parts 23 and 33 in the central portions of separators 2 and 3 , respectively.
  • the mode of embodiment may be modified, as illustrated in FIG. 12A or 12 B, for an integrated or monolithic flow channel member 5 b formed with gas introducing channels 51 and gas discharging channels 52 , to be fitted or joined for fixation to the circular convex step part 23 of either (upper, in the figure) separator 2 .
  • the example of embodiment is configured for a solid-electrolyte fuel cell 1 with a pair of separators 2 and 3 in opposite positions to be joined together at the outer peripheral edge portions.
  • the mode of embodiment may be modified with a pair of metallic separators 2 and 3 to be joined partially, i.e., at an adequate number of parts (e.g. convex parts defining gaps) of their outer peripheral edge portions, for adaptation to such a stack structure that discharges gas from gaps formed in an outer peripheral edge portion.
  • a (integrated or dedicated) flow channel member for introducing and/or discharging gas
  • a space defined by two separators
  • the flow channel member and the separator may have an incomplete sealing in between, resulting in a simple mixing between gases introduced into the space and gases to be discharged therefrom, with little possibility of causing a malfunction.
  • the present invention provides a solid-electrolyte fuel cell and a stack structure, allowing for an expanded freedom in joining method or process, permitting an enhanced yield of the process, and additionally enabling concerns for gas leakage to be nearly disregarded.

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JP2005247561A JP4854237B2 (ja) 2004-10-22 2005-08-29 固体電解質型燃料電池及びスタック構造体
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US8039157B2 (en) 2004-12-21 2011-10-18 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Startup method for fuel cell stack structure, temperature control method for fuel cell stack structure, and fuel cell stack structure
JP5076359B2 (ja) * 2006-05-16 2012-11-21 日産自動車株式会社 燃料電池スタックおよび燃料電池セパレータ並びにその製造方法
JP5076360B2 (ja) 2006-05-16 2012-11-21 日産自動車株式会社 燃料電池スタック並びにその製造方法
JP5170815B2 (ja) * 2006-07-04 2013-03-27 日産自動車株式会社 固体電解質型燃料電池ユニット及びスタック
KR100821389B1 (ko) * 2006-09-07 2008-04-11 현대자동차주식회사 연료전지 스택용 금속 분리판의 적층성 향상을 위한 구조
JP5158405B2 (ja) * 2006-12-22 2013-03-06 トヨタ自動車株式会社 燃料電池
JP5299836B2 (ja) 2007-02-01 2013-09-25 日産自動車株式会社 燃料電池
JP5151194B2 (ja) * 2007-03-13 2013-02-27 日産自動車株式会社 燃料電池スタック構造体
JP5168954B2 (ja) * 2007-03-14 2013-03-27 日産自動車株式会社 固体電解質型燃料電池セルユニット及びスタック構造体
JP5127389B2 (ja) 2007-10-04 2013-01-23 本田技研工業株式会社 燃料電池及び燃料電池スタック
JP5220379B2 (ja) 2007-10-04 2013-06-26 本田技研工業株式会社 燃料電池及び燃料電池スタック
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WO2006043729A3 (fr) 2006-12-14
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EP1810358B1 (fr) 2012-07-25
US20080206614A1 (en) 2008-08-28
JP2006147532A (ja) 2006-06-08
EP1810358A2 (fr) 2007-07-25

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